Senate President heads Nigeria’s delegation to Pope’s inauguration

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Nigeria will sponsor five people to Pope Francis’ inauguration on March 19.

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a five-member delegation headed by Senate President David Mark to represent Nigeria at the inauguration of Pope Francis on Tuesday, March 19.

This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati.

Mr. Abati listed other members of the delegation as the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah; Minister of State 1 for Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri; and the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Ignatius Kaigama.

The delegation also includes the Chaplain of the Presidential Villa Chapel, Obioma Onwuzurumba; and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Opara.

Mr. Abati said that in addition to attending the Pope’s inauguration mass at the Vatican City, the delegation would also convey a congratulatory letter from the President to Pope Francis.

The new pope, who succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, was elected on March 13 by the College of Cardinals.